Phil Taylor has been dominating darts since before Cross - was born – he won that first world crown 28 years ago – and says claiming a 17th world title would be the finest achievement of his career.

The match, is being broadcast live on Sky Sports Darts and Sky Sports Main Event, starting at 8pm, but we will be bringing all the news and action as it happens from the event.

22:21

There's STILL only one Phil Taylor

22:02

Not exactly a fairytale ending... but Taylor's still a legend

And that is it. The fairytale ending to Taylor’s incredible career didn’t materialise. He carries on smiling, shaking hands with Cross, and looks a man content with what he has achieved. And who wouldn’t be? Fans in the arena spoke of how this man from the Potteries has taken the sport from the pub to the arenas where thousands watch it in now. Cross was incredible, but will anyone ever get close to Taylor’s legacy?

22:00

A new star is born

It’s a cool 180 from Taylor as he refuses to lie down as this leg begins. Cross’ treble 18 response showed he was not ruffled by it.

Double 16 will win it for him. And Cross nails it. The fireworks go off and a new star is born. A fond hug between the two as Taylor says goodbye and while we celebrate him, darts may have just found it’s next big thing.

21:59

On the verge

Cross should have doubled his legs lead with a double 16. Taylor smashed in a 180 to leave him needing 24. But Cross didn’t miss again and hit a double 16 to win it. He’s on the verge.

21:58

Interesting reaction from the crowd

Cross hits a double forty to make it 1-0 in legs. Crowd seems a little subdued as we head on. Maybe the performance of the one-time sparky has stunned a few.

21:53

Is this about to be one of the greatest comebacks?

Cross needed the bullseye to take this leg leaving Taylor on 141. Cross was needing 12 and Taylor pointed to the crowd, smiled, and hit double 16 to make it 6-2. Can we be about to watch one of the greatest comebacks? The eighth set has emphatically gone to the Potteries chucker.

Taylor's not looking happy

Lights temporarily out on Voltage

The former electrician is left with 108 as Taylor smashes 63 with three darts. Lights temporarily out on Voltage. 2-0.

21:45

Cross has made an incredible rise

This time last year Rob Cross was in a pub with friend watching the darts final. Incredible rise.

Back underway and a rare mistake from Cross who lets Taylor back in with the elder statesman picking up this set with Cross only needing four. 1-0 to Taylor.

21:41

Pressure is really on Taylor

Bullseye would have got this one from Phil with Power on 25 and Cross on 93. Getting tense but yes, that’s double 18 again and it’s now 6-1. Saying the pressure is on Taylor is like saying darts fans enjoy a beer.

This next set is crucial if the Power is stop the juggernaut that is Voltage.

21:36

Cross looking emotional

Cross is showing more emotion as this goes on and clearly enjoyed his 180. He was left on 32 and knocks in the double 16. 2-1 in legs.

21:36

Taylor puts in better showing

Again Taylor starts with a 180 in what would surely ruffle the feathers of some challengers. This was a better showing and he takes the leg with a double 20 with Cross left needing 164. 2-1

21:35

Cross takes 56

Cross loves the double 18 and takes 56 to go 1-0 up in legs.

21:35

5-1 lead becomes reality

A 5-1 lead would be incredible for Cross and you can see how Taylor is doing everything to stop him realising that. And was left with 58. But Cross got 84 with three darts and that 5-1 lead became a reality.

21:35

Phil takes the set

It was a 180 to start this leg from Taylor who almost went straight back to repeat it. But he is showing that Cross’ relentless play isn’t impacting his game plan. Surely you can never bet against Phil. And he takes the set with a smooth, calm, finish. 2-1.

21:25

Cross is now 'a machine'

Watching Rob Cross is pretty fascinating. He gets up, does what he has to, takes a sip of water and then does it again. The man is looking like a machine. He is truly, truly relentless at the moment.

Jack Butland tweets about the game

Cross remains confident

Cross needed a 20 and a double 16 to win this leg. Did he show nerves and fluff his lines? Nope, it’s 1-0 as we get back underway.

21:22

Taylor needs to call on experience

Taylor came so close and almost took 153 with three darts. But Cross finished off with a double eight to go 4-1 in the lead. The young challenger to the crown almost had swagger as he left the stage. A swagger, but no cockiness, just a player who looks confident and importantly calm. Taylor must call on his years of experience now.

21:14

Cross a 'relentless beast'

That leg loss didn’t stop Taylor who resumed to hit 180. The pundits are now referring to Cross as a ‘relentless beast’ which is fair as he knocks off 41 with two darts to go 2-0 in legs.

21:14

Cross not messing around

It’s a 180 for Phil as we set out again….and then another. The Power showing just why he has won so many championships. He almost had it and left with the double twelve before just missing. Despite that he shared a joke with his opponent but there were no laughs when he then missed the chance again. Cross didn’t mess around to finish off 83. 1-0.

21:07

Is Taylor making a comeback?

Taylor has smashed in his third set and got his first leg. A crucial leg. Now we have a match on our hands!

Cross has looked calm and doesn’t seem affected by anything. But how he will react to this from a darts heavyweight like Taylor will be fascinating.

So far Taylor is averaging 101.59 compared to Cross’ 100.94.

9

21:04

Fans wait in anticipation to see how Cross will respond

Double 16 with one dart. He’s got his second leg. How will Cross respond? Will we see this cool up-and-comer began to show some nerves? Two legs to nil to Taylor.

21:02

Back to the 'vintage' Phil Taylor

It was described as ‘Vintage Phil Taylor’ as the Potteries champion snares a leg and brings the fans to their feet in full voice.

20:57

Pundits call for Taylor to 'slow the game'

Pundits are saying that Taylor needs to ‘slow the game down’. Which in other words means, take the wind out of Cross’ sails. But he checks out on a double 16 to land the second leg.

20:56

No problems...

Voltage took the first leg of the first set with a smooth finish to complete the 36 with a double.

20:49

'He's on fire'

That leg defeat didn’t seem to impact on Cross who is playing some confident stuff. The Power landed another 180 to the delight of the crowd. Cross got a very impressive 167 with Bulls Eye. In the media area one reporter has just commented: “He’s on fire.” And you wouldn’t disagree. Known as Voltage, the 27-year-old is looking like he’s done this before…